In the battle of Shrimpers v Shrimps it was the former who came out on top as wing-backs Gus Scott-Morriss and Harry Boyes gave Southend a two-goal interval lead, added to after the break by Andy Dallas, Josh Walker and Tom Hopper.

Scott-Morriss tested visiting keeper Jamal Blackman early on and threatened again before eventually heading Southend in front midway through the half from Boyes’ corner. Boyes made it two with a fierce shot across goal after stealing possession from Chris Popov.

Dallas, against his former club, added a third nine minutes after half-time after good work from Walker.

Mo Sangare hit back from long range but Walker restored the three-goal cushion after Blackman had saved from Leon Parillon. Tom Hopper, a substitute for Dallas, added a late fifth.